As I looked around the stunning, parkland layout of The K Club’s Palmer North course bathed in glorious spring sunshine, I had an unusual, giddy feeling of excitement.
The venue of the Ryder Cup victory for Europe in 2006, I thought to myself: ‘Am I really about to follow in the footsteps of some of the best golfers in the world at this most famous and special of venues?’
And there I was, stood at the first tee of the legendary golf course, club in hand, about to hit, for me, what I thought was the most important shot I would ever make.
A steady, slow swing, the noise of a ball pinging off the middle of an iron, a cursory glance down the fairway a second later, and then a feeling of relief as the ball lands safely 160 yards ahead.
As I moved onto my second shot, it was time to relax and take in the splendour and beauty of the surroundings.
The K Club also hosted the Irish Open in 2023 and this September, the iconic venue will host the Irish Open again.
A short drive from Dublin Airport, the venue's Palmer North and Palmer South courses sit within 550 acres of land. The K Club website states: ''Both courses have received significant upgrades and investment in recent years and with such an extraordinary asset - we are the only 36 hole, Arnold Palmer designed destination in Europe - The K Club golf team is looking to the future with the same trailblazing attitude found elsewhere on our 550-acre resort.''
The website also states: ''Ranked regularly in the top three parkland golf courses in Ireland, this golf haven is a must-play course that has hosted the top golf players in the world.
''The Ryder Cup in 2006, the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open where Rory McIlroy played the European Tour Shot of the Year, and 11 European Opens, testify to the importance of the Palmer North to European golf.''
And it was an awe-inspiring sight as we entered the gates and went down the long driveway to the hotel entrance. The size and grandeur of the building, the charming decor and the warm and friendly welcome, just added to the all-round special aura of the place.
So after playing the first hole of the Palmer North course, a par five, as safe as I could and walking off with a seven, I knew it was going to be one of the most memorable challenges and couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead.
The seventh hole was another par five challenge, the second hardest on the course. And as soon as you approach the green, you can see why with it situated on a tree-lined island in the middle of the River Liffey. I again played two, good shots up the fairway and then took the decision to play safe, got over the water for four but could only manage a seven on quite a quick green. The green is accessed via a 170-year-old footbridge offering more fine views of the K Club hotel and gardens.
The par four, 8th hole offered more wonderful views of the building as the fairway runs alongside the river. Another demanding dogleg, a safe shot right onto the fairway allows an approach onto the green which slopes towards the river. So it is always a relief to see your ball stay on the green and not trickle away into the water. I could only manage an eight but was loving the challenge of learning how to keep the ball in play.
After losing a few balls on the front nine, I was determined to make a better fist of the back nine. However, my lost ball tally quickly rose again on the 10th after I couldn’t find where my second shot ended up. But after taking a penalty, a good, 50-yard chip onto the green and a tap in for a five, got my hopes up again.
The easier-looking, par three, 12th hole saw me hit a solid tee shot onto the green but the ball settled in the semi-rough. My chip shot was followed by three tricky putts and a frustrated walk back to the buggy. I wasn’t sure I could play much better but that was the beauty of this course - it can lull you into a false sense of security at times.
But my best golf of the day was served up on the par four, 15th, which I managed to par after getting onto the green in two. Two decent, uphill putts saw me home but the smiles quickly turned to curses on the next hole.
The 16th is the hardest and the best hole for a reason and what a test. I hit a near perfect drive which carried the water lying alongside the fairway and left me around 170 yards or so into the green which is protected by a lake. Unfortunately, my second shot was just short of dry land but it was great fun taking on the pin. I managed to chip over my next shot onto the green across the water, but it is not until you walk around the side and back of the green to get to the flag, that you fully appreciate how tough a hole it is. Two great tests of nerve in the first and second shot and a sense of relief when you ball rests anywhere on the green.
The par five, 18th was a glorious sight as we moved down towards the clubhouse with the blue sky above us making a picture perfect scene. I really went for glory but unfortunately my second shot into the green landed in the lake behind the green and I could only manage a seven.
But I wasn’t too worried about my score. It was just a great joy to play such a challenging and exhilarating course leaving me with so many cherished memories.
We dined that evening at the brilliant Dewdrop Inn and Brewhouse in nearby Kill (www.dewdropinn.ie)
The inn brews its own great range of beers and we were treated to a sample of each including stout, red ale, lager and pale ale, before tucking into some of its tasty dishes. The Magnum lager and the black pudding salad starter were my favourites and the hospitality was first class.
After a relaxing overnight stay at the K Club hotel, I enjoyed looking across the picture perfect front lawn from the restaurant as I ate my delicious, eggs benedict breakfast. It is just the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The second day of our itinerary saw us visit the Irish National Stud and Gardens in County Kildare (www.irishnationalstud.ie) ahead of our visit to Carton House. We were given a guided tour of the stud which was fascinating and also, the Japanese Gardens which was stunning. If you are ever in the area they are both well worth a visit.
Carton House (www.cartonhouse.com) near Maynooth, saw us take on the magnificent O’Meara Course.
Designed by Open Champion and US Masters Champion Mark O’Meara, the course is set among beautiful, rolling countryside with fine views across the surrounding landscape.
A par 73, parkland course, it certainly has its challenges with five par fives which includes the first hole. But there was no holding me back as a solid drive and second shot, followed by a decent chip onto the green left me with a birdie chance. Unfortunately, I just shaved the cup but walked off the green with a big grin – a perfect start.
The O’Meara is a real driver’s course with plenty of opportunities to take out the big stick such as at the par five, 4th and par five, 6th where I managed to par both. I was playing well having parred all the par fives on the front nine and playing to my handicap of 21.
The Tyrconnell Tower is an impressive feature located in the middle of the course near the 10th tee. The Carton House Golf website states: "The Tyrconnell Tower is named after the Earl of Tyrconnell, Sir William Talbot who is said to have built the first house of Carton in 1603."
The back nine just got better and better with holes offering wide-reaching views across the landscape. The 14th, 15th and 16th is a trio of spectacular holes all with their own particular challenges.
The par three, 14th requires bravery to take on the green which lies 160 yards away over water which runs also runs around the back of the hole. I played short and safe but could only manage a five after three putting on the rapid surface.
The 15th is another tough, par five again with risk and reward. The green lies the other side of a river which runs alongside the fairway. It is reached via a bridge which also gives access to the 16th tee, a wonderful design which gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the river and its surroundings. A decent drive, second shot and chip across the water left me with another birdie chance. But again, I couldn’t quite find the hole and had to settle for a par.
Then, it was a short skip across to the par three, 16th tee and a formidable looking hole sat around 140 yards away across the river. Unfortunately, I overhit my club but was relieved to find the ball nestled in rough on the other side. I then thinned my second shot into the water and had to settle for a six.
The drive in back towards the clubhouse saw me just miss out on another par on the 18th which was another great driving hole. But I headed in to the 19th hole on a high having played to my handicap.
The last day of our visit saw a trip to the fabulous Killeen Castle, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course.
Located in Dunsany, County Meath, its website www.killeencastle.com states: ''Our Jack Nicklaus Golf Course is the ultimate golfing experience, showcasing modern, golfing excellence in design and presentation, yet suitable to golfers of all abilities.''
Driving into the main gates and through the grounds towards the hotel, Killeen Castle is an impressive sight. The website says: ''Killeen Castle has been standing in the heart of Royal Meath for over eight centuries, serving as the strategic castle defence system for north Leinster since its construction in 1181 by Hugh de Lacy.''
The main building of the hotel has been designed with a unique, modern styling and offers first class facilities throughout giving it a smart, vibrant look and atmosphere. The dining areas offer fantastic, far-reaching views across the course.
We dined in the beautifully-designed, main restaurant in the evening where my salmon was cooked to perfection and the apple pie was delicious.
We stayed overnight in the smart, new accommodation lodges which are a great idea offering a home from home with a touch of luxury.
In the morning, we were able to take in the glorious views across the landscape from The Kiln restaurant as I enjoyed my tasty bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Looking out across the course from the first tee below the clubhouse, the excitement was building from the off on another beautiful, sunny spring day.
Thankfully, my first tee shot missed the fairway bunkers half way down and I managed to get down near the green with my second. A chip onto the green was followed by three putts on a tricky, sloping surface. I knew right there, we were in for another stern test.
And the par five, 2nd hole proved just that. A firm second shot ended up just left of a bunker above the green. A delicate chip down saw the ball roll on past the flag and I ended up three putting again.
The par four, 10th hole saw me play my shot of the week. I managed to squeeze my third shot through a small window between two trees protecting the green with the ball rolling all the way round the edge to finish four feet from the flag. Unfortunately, I just missed the putt for par but was thrilled with my ‘crowdpleaser’ of an effort.
I then made a mistake by not looking at the distances on the 12th, and pushed my second shot into a stream running across the fairway in front of the green. I got up onto the green with my fourth shot but took another three to hole out.
I had been playing the par five holes well all week and the 15th was another opportunity to hammer one down the fairway. I managed to get on for three and two putted for another par five success.
The 16th was another great test of a par three needing bravery and precision to take on the pin 162 yards away across the lake. I was brave but slightly under-clubbed my shot and the ball just fell short of the green and found the water.
The crowning glory of the course is the 18th hole shooting up the hill with the magnificent Killeen Castle in the background. Unfortunately, my second shot leapt into a bunker just left of the green. I managed to sweep out at first attempt but only to the top of the bunker. A chip and two putts left me with a six, and the par sign off I so wanted beside the nearby statue of Jack Nicklaus, unfortunately didn’t materialise.
But as I looked over to the statue, I couldn’t help but think what an absolute joy and honour it was to play this course.
After three, fantastic days of golf in Ireland, the sheer joy of playing at The K Club, Carton House and Killeen Castle combined with the very best hospitality and warmest of welcomes, all combined to create the most special of memories. I can't wait to return.
*Sol Buckner was part of a group of invited guests of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland. For more information about golf in Ireland, please visit: www.ireland.com/golf
2. Contributed
The 10th and 11th holes at Carton House with Tyrconnell Tower in the distance Photo: Submitted
